How to find the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung Galaxy A51: all the working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and it's worn off your handwriting? Or need to connect a new device, but can't be bothered to look for the piece of paper with the code? Samsung Galaxy A51 There are several ways to retrieve a saved network password—and most of them don't require root access or complex manipulation. In this article, we'll look at all current methods for firmware based on Android 10/11/12 with shell One UI, including hidden features and workarounds.

Important: System capabilities depend on the software version. For example, in One UI 5.0+ (Android 13) Samsung removed direct access to passwords through settings, but left loopholes. We've taken these nuances into account and compiled instructions that work for 90% of devices Galaxy A51 regardless of the year of manufactureIf your phone was updated through official channels, at least one of these methods will definitely work.

1. The standard method through settings (doesn't work on all firmware versions)

The easiest method is to look up the password in the Wi-Fi menu. Unfortunately, Samsung periodically removes this option in newer versions. One UI, but on Galaxy A51 With Android 10/11 It's often saved. Check this:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (currently connected).
3. Click Network management or Additionally.
4. Select Show password (You may be asked to enter your lock screen PIN).

If the point Show password no - then it's your version One UI I hid it. Proceed to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware One UI 4.0+ (Android 12+) This method only works for networks connected manually (not via WPS or Smart Switch).

2. Using the Wi-Fi configuration file (without root)

All passwords for saved networks are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through file manager with access rights to the root folder (not to be confused with root rights!). Here's how to do it:

1. Install a file manager with system folder support, for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (enable the option in the settings) Show hidden files And Root access).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

   Or (in newer versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp/

3. Find the file wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with any text editor.
4. Inside there will be blocks of the following type:

   network={
   ssid="Network_Name"
   psk="network_password"
   key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
   }

Copy the value psk — this is your password. If the file isn't in the specified folder, try an alternative path:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp/WifiConfigStore.xml

The passwords in it are encrypted, but they can be decrypted using online services (more on that below).

⚠️ Attention: In Android 12+ access to /data/ Limited even for system file managers. If you can't open the folder, use the ADB method (Section 4).

Make sure your phone is connected to the correct network|Download a file manager with access to system folders|Enable display of hidden files|Check alternative paths to the configuration file-->

3. Export passwords via backup (for One UI 3.1 and below)

Old versions One UI (to Android 12) allowed you to export your Wi-Fi settings to a backup and then extract passwords from it. This method works on Galaxy A51 with factory firmware 2020–2021:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Backup and Restore.
2. Select Archive data and tick only Wi-Fi (uncheck the other boxes!).
3. Save the archive to Internal memory or SD card.
4. The archive file will have the extension .abRename it to .zip and unpack.
5. Find the file inside wifiConfig.xml — it will contain passwords in encrypted form.

To decrypt passwords, use online services like WiFi Password Decrypt (search on Google). You will need to enter SSID (network name) and an encrypted string password from file.

4. Extracting the password via ADB (universal method)

If the previous methods did not work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool that allows you to extract passwords without root. You'll need a computer (Windows/Mac/Linux) and a USB cable.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and unzip into a folder.
2. Turn on your phone Developer mode (go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap 7 times).
3. Return to Settings → System → Developer Mode and activate USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open a command prompt in the ADB folder and run:

   adb devices

   (a device with a serial number should appear).

5. Enter the command to extract passwords:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   Or (for newer Android versions):

   adb shell "su -c 'cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/SoftAp/WifiConfigStore.xml'" > wifi_pass.txt

6. Open the resulting file WifiConfigStore.xml and find the lines with <string name="PreSharedKey">PASSWORD</string>.

If the team adb pull gives an error Permission denied, then access is blocked on your firmware. In this case, only unlocking the bootloader (but this will reset all data!).

⚠️ Warning: Use ADB with caution. Don't execute commands you don't understand, as they may cause system malfunctions. For example: adb shell rm -rf /data would completely erase all your data.

What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?

Make sure you have installed the Samsung USB drivers (download from the Samsung website).

Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one).

Enable the option in the developer settings Revoke USB debugging authorization, then reconnect.

On Windows, run Command Prompt as administrator.

5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If all the above methods do not work, there are radical or workaround options:

• 🔄 Resetting the router: Click the button Reset On the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). This will reset the password to the factory default (found on the device's sticker). Disadvantage: This will disable all devices on the network.
• 📱 Another phone: If you have a second device connected to this network, retrieve the password through its settings (on iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Show password).
• 💻 View on PC: On Windows, you can find out the password through Control Panel → Network Connections → Wireless Network → Properties → Security (requires administrator rights).
• 📡 Router web interface: Go to the router settings at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (logins admin/admin or admin/password from sticker). The Wi-Fi password will be in the section Wireless → Security.

If you're renting a place or connected to a public network (such as a hotel), these methods may not work due to provider restrictions. In this case, contact your network administrator.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When attempting to extract a password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

• 🚫 There is no "Show password" option.: This means that your version One UI I hid it. Try the ADB or file manager method.
• 🔒 It asks for a PIN code but does not accept it.: Make sure you enter the PIN from lock screen, not from the SIM card. If you forgot, reset it through Find My Mobile (Samsung account required).
• 📂 I can't see the file wpa_supplicant.conf: In newer versions of Android it may be called WifiConfigStore.xml or be located in another folder (see section 2).
• 🖥️ ADB doesn't see the device.: Check drivers, cable and turn on USB debugging (instructions in section 4).
• 🔄 After resetting the router, the internet does not work.Your ISP may be binding your MAC address. Call support and report the reset.

If you use Samsung Galaxy A51 with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), file paths may differ. In this case, look for passwords in:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/

or via ADB command:

adb shell ls /data/misc/wifi/

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find the Wi-Fi password on a Samsung A51 without a computer?

Yes, but only if you have Android 10/11 With One UI to version 4.0. Try:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Manage network.
2. Use a file manager with access to system folders (section 2).

On Android 12+ It's hard to do without a PC - you need ADB or root.

Why in the file wpa_supplicant.conf my network is not there?

Possible reasons:

• The network is connected via WPS or Smart Switch (the password is not saved to the file).
• You are connected to the network Enterprise (corporate) - its passwords are stored in a different location.
• The file is reset after a system update (try connecting again).

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password using a Samsung A51?

No, it's impossible. without physical access to the router or the owner's consent. All methods in this article only work for networks that your phone is already connectedAttempts to hack someone else's network:

• They violate the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - unauthorized access to computer information).
• They can block your MAC address in the router.
• Leads to ban of Samsung account (if you use Find My Mobile).

If you need access to someone else's network, ask the owner for the password.

What should I do if after extracting the password it doesn't work?

Check:

• Case sensitive (passwords are case sensitive) Uppercase/lowercase letters).
• Underscore characters (_) and dashes (-) - they are easy to confuse.
• There are spaces at the beginning/end of the password (remove them).
• Network encryption type: if the router has WPA3, and the phone saved the password for WPA2, may not be suitable.

If the password is definitely correct, but it doesn’t work, reboot the router.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from password theft?

To make your password more difficult to access:

• Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (in the router settings).
• Turn it off WPS - This is a vulnerable protocol.
• Set a complex password (12+ characters with letters, numbers and symbols).
• Turn on MAC address filtering in the router (allow only your devices).
• Change your password regularly (every 3-6 months).